Have you seen one of those popular electronics manufacturers’ logos engraved at the back of their product and wondered how they achieved that neat job? Well, the process is not new anymore. It is called in-mold decorations, a unique way of imprinting logos, designs, and unique shapes on a product during its molding stage. This article will give you all the information you need to fully understand how it is done, and perhaps, one day, your product can also benefit from this knowledge. So, sip on your coffee while we take you on this enlightening journey.
I. What is In-Mold Decoration?
As earlier hinted, in-mold decoration is a unique method of integrating graphic designs like logos, brand names, and manufacturers’ unique identifiers on the body of their products. The process is achieved during the molding of the product’s body while still molten, using a mold with an embedded film or foil pre-printed before beginning the process.
This process is part of a more encompassing plastic injection procedure that most manufacturers perform since plastic is a general manufacturing material for many products. The product is a neatly done infusion of unique brand markers on the body of the product that stays with it throughout its lifetime.
It is highly beneficial as it saves manufacturers a lot of headaches trying to get graphics on their item after production – which, in most cases, is less tidy and professional compared to in-mold decorations. It is also more durable and faster than many other plastic decoration methods. However, an experienced hand is a critical factor in achieving the desired design for the plastic material.
II. The Principles of In-Mold Decoration
Different techniques and processes are based on unique principles responsible for their successes, and in-mold decoration is no exception. Essentially, its principle is based on inserting a heat-resistant film in the mold before the mold injection process of the plastic material. The film must also be pre-printed for the in-mold decoration to achieve its purpose.
The process enables the molten plastic material to bond permanently with the graphic film, ensuring the graphics come out neat and durable. However, for the in-mold decoration (IMD) to come out well, the mold design is a critical consideration by the manufacturer. Also, the material selection, decoration technique, injection mold type, and type of film used can significantly increase the chances of having a high-quality graphic or unique brand marker. During the injection molding, the plastic temperature and flow need proper control to ensure it doesn’t fall below the specified range. Falling below the design temperature can cause a couple of anomalies, including low-quality designs and products since the plastic might not be able to fill the mold. Bonding between the plastic and the ink used is also essential as this will guarantee that the design lasts the product’s lifetime. Some materials that work excellently with IMD include acrylic and polycarbonate materials.
III. Advantages of In-Mold Decoration
Deciding between post-molding decoration and in-mold decoration will most likely be a simple decision if you consider their merits, especially since in-mold decorations have many of them.
- Eliminates post-manufacturing activities: Additional steps to ensure a good graphic after production is often messy and energy-draining, which IMD can eradicate. Since the designs are intricate parts of the production process, in-mold decorations already ensure a quality finish that is often missing with after-production activities like painting and tagging, which is often error-prone.
- Quality finish: The designs are detailed and quality, even for complex ones when using IMD. Such levels of detail, including 3D effects, are often absent with post-production decorations.
- Durable and long-lasting: With IMD, designs last as long as the product is incorporated into the manufacturing process rather than after manufacturing the product. IMD removes the possibilities of faults like cracking, peeling, and fading of designs over the working lifetime of the product, especially in unfavorable environments.
- Timesaving: In-mold decoration is a one-time activity where all accessories and designs are incorporated into the production. This method saves a lot of time that is wasted unnecessarily in the case of post-production decorations.
- Removes wastage: IMD ensures that there are no errors with the design, which significantly reduces the waste characteristic of many post-production decoration procedures. It also saves costs that might be incurred from painting and printing errors associated with post-manufacturing designs.
Ultimately, deciding to go with in-mold decoration will save you from unnecessary stress and cost that often comes with other decoration techniques used after manufacturing the product.
IV. Disadvantages of In-Mold Decoration
In-mold decorations are not without their drawbacks despite their overwhelming number of benefits. However, what should be more worrying is if the disadvantages outweigh the benefits, which is not the case here.
For in-mold decorations, the primary concern is its limited material options considering that it’s a process associated with injection plastic molding and only a few materials can withstand the high heat levels that come with it.
Also, IMD costs can be high as the molds are designed specifically, requiring some exceptional design, tooling, and technique to manufacture the required molds, especially with complicated graphics and color schemes. Again, the molds can’t be remodeled for reuse with another design, making it even costlier as every design will need a new set of molds.
However, all these drawbacks have not deterred manufacturers from using in-mold designs as the benefits far outweigh the demerits, which include a superior quality finish for their products.
V. Common Application Examples
Since its inception, IMD has enjoyed wide acceptance across several industries and applications since its inception, with more industries joining. Sectors like electronics and automotive makers are some of the extensive users of IMD, where it has been adopted for making control buttons and logos on smartphones and laptops. However, industries like the medical sector and consumer goods manufacturers are also not left out in adopting this unique production technique. Here are more applications of in-mold decorations across different industries.
- Electronics: Manufacturers’ branded markers, like logos and unique identifying graphics, can be found on smartphones and laptops.
- Consumer appliances: Household appliances, including fridges, microwave machines, and toasters, are often branded by manufacturers using IMD.
- Automakers: These industries use in-mold decorations extensively for their dashboards, control buttons, indicators, and logos during their manufacturing process.
- Medical equipment: This industry also embeds IMD in branding their equipment and machinery with logos, unique designs, and informative directions.
- Sports: This industry has adopted IMD over the years to inscribe unique graphic designs in their equipment and gears, including bike helmets, aerobics equipment, and other protective gear.
There are still many more industries and applications for IMD out there where it is used to enhance aesthetics and even functionality. We just thought of showing you a few instances where it enjoys extensive uses.
VI. Mold Construction of In-mold Decoration
The mold is incredibly important when considering the possibility of in-mold decoration for your product, and a good understanding of the mold production process will significantly help your planning. The dimensioning, material selection, and the required finish are all important, but the major steps in mold production are highlighted below.
Designing the Mold
Mold design captures critical parameters, including mold material, size, dimension, required pressure, and temperature. These are the initial considerations in any mold production activity, giving the production process a good chance at quality output if done correctly. The responsible resource – the mold designer- ensures that every little detail is appropriately considered in the design process, including ejector devices, the manifold, and estimated cycle time. These are additional factors the designer will consider during the design phase. However, other personnel, including the graphic artist or decoration designer, will have to work with the mold designer to get the perfect result.
Manufacturing the Mold
Sometimes rapid prototyping methods will be required to quickly get a sample and feel of the mold needed before going into mass production after its design. But once confirmed, the sample design can be inputted into the injection molding machine, and mass production can begin. The confirmation will also include material adequacy, dimensions, and durability checks. This is to ensure a top-quality finish that is durable throughout the product’s lifetime.
IMD Integration
Integration of design and graphics can be a massive letdown if not done appropriately. Issues like the proper alignment of the film, product shape, and size will have to be considered to guarantee the correctness and quality of the finished decorations. The correct placement of the film is the responsibility of both the decorator and the mold designer, and they must work as a team if they intend to produce the correct thing.
Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance of the mold becomes critical during the use of the mold, as any debris or excess material left in the mold from previous production can adversely affect future production. Also, there is a need to constantly check for damage and dents in the mold that may require repairs periodically, as it will ensure the mold’s longevity and the accuracy of the products.
VII. IMD VS Other Post Molding Decoration
Other post-molding decoration options, including pad printing, direct printing, and pressure-sensitive labels, also come with their unique set of benefits. But do they offer more perks than in-mold design? Let’s find out.
IMD vs. Pad Printing
The pad printing method of plastic decoration involves using silicone pads to get graphics and logos onto plastic products with some success. However, the process consumes so much time, and it is stressful. On the other hand, in-mold decoration is an easier and faster method incorporating pre-printed films directly into the mold with all the parts fully integrated and produced as a monolithic product.
IMD vs. Pressure-Sensitive Labels
Pressure-sensitive labels are stickers with adhesives that only require pressure to apply to a plastic product. This method is often messy since they are applied post-production, and it is only a matter of time before the initial nice looks begin to fade away and wrinkle up, revealing the lack of durability of the labels. Unlike PSL, in-mold decorations are more durable and long-lasting, with all the parts integrated at the point of production rather than after the process.
IMD vs. Direct Printing
Printing the graphics on the plastic product after its manufacture is another dated method for adding graphic decorations on products. The advancement of technology has also impacted this method with the invention of digital printers, which make printing fast with high-quality graphics. The trouble with this method is the limited color options and the high cost if you want to do it at scale. On the flip side is IMD which has more color options and is cost-effective, with quality graphics that last the entire product’s lifespan.
IMD still trumps other options for plastic decorations with serious benefits, including cost effectiveness, quality graphics, and time savings.
VIII. The Evolution of In-Mold Decorating (IMD)
In-mold decorations and design have come a long way since they burst into the scene in the sixties. It all started with the emergence of a new way of making plastics – injection molding, which showed so much promise back then. Most of these promises have become our reality today, but there are still so many aspirations waiting for realization with this plastic manufacturing method.
IMD sought to complement the injection molding production of plastics with quality graphics that give it a unique look. It also helped manufacturers insert unique identifiers to differentiate them from their competitors. Nevertheless, manufacturers soon preferred it to old-school post-production painting and printing methods that were time-consuming, stressful, and low quality. Furthermore, it was cost-effective, especially for industries like electronics and automotive manufacturing involved in mass production.
Fortunately, technologies advanced at significant speeds, which helped IMD become more efficient at a lower cost with digital designs and 3D printing that has helped produce more creative designs. The issues with IMD over its long evolutionary journey have not deterred its adoption by various industries. These issues include the cost of sophisticated machinery similar to those used for CNC machining, hiring highly trained personnel, and lack of access for small entrepreneurs. All these challenges are gradually phasing out as advancements in technologies present themselves. Yet industry experts continue to affirm the bright future for in-mold decorations.
IX. In-mold Decoration Markets
In-mold decoration’s numerous benefits have endeared it to so many industries with booming markets driven by the demand for custom-made products. One such market is the automotive market which has been one of the early adopters of IMD as they use it for customizing many of their parts, including dashboard panels, wheel covers, and indicators.
Another early adopting market is the electronics industry, where in-mold decoration is used to brand laptops, smartphones, and screen frames. One advantage that has made the electronics manufacturing industry even more popular with the electronics manufacturing industry is the level of detail it can create and its fast speed.
Another equally big market for in-mold decoration is household appliances, where manufacturers use IMD to inscribe artistic impressions on their products’ bodies. Such household appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers have the manufacturer’s logo inscribed with IMD.
The ability to retain these graphics even in unfavorable environments is one of the big pluses that has endeared IMD to many industries, creating the demands that continue to fuel these markets.
Conclusion
To wrap up, in-mold decoration is an innovative manufacturing method that appeared on the scene at the right moment when another creative way of producing plastics was becoming popular. Its many advantages, including high-quality graphics, increased speed, and wastage reduction, are why many industries are using it. But more importantly, understand that material selection, film alignment, and mold designs are responsible for their success and should be considered critically before using IMD. Nevertheless, IMD offers a versatile and durable option that trumps other post-production designs.
